MADEIRA. 
9 
nor. He is said not to be very partial to the English; and to feel 
still the mortifying recollection that British troops once garrisoned 
the island. He keeps up the dignity of his office, and lives in a 
state of splendour. His salary is under ^^000. per annum ; but it 
is a situation, which excites great competition, as it leads to the 
government of the more valuable American possessions. He has a 
country house two miles up the hill, pleasingly situated in a wood, 
and commanding a fine view of the valley, town, and bay of 
Funchal. It is an error to suppose that this is the only landing 
place in the island: at Machico and Santa Cruz we observed many 
boats, and in calm weather the landing seems perfectly good. The 
natural indolence of the natives has prevented them from reaping 
the full benefit of the fine island which they possess ; not half of it 
is in cultivation : where the vine will not grow they occasionally 
sow a little wheat ; but never manure the ground. Although it 
would be perfectly easy to raise cotton, coffee, and olives, in these 
situations, they have not even made the attempt. The Arundo 
donax occupies a space, that might, and probably soon will, be 
turned to a better purpose. It is used to sustain the vine, for which 
it is little adapted, as it decays in two years. The introduction of 
the bamboo, by Mr. Murdoch, will render this unnecessary ; and on 
account of its durability, half the space will not be required for its 
cultivation. I am informed that the produce of the island is much 
increased lately. About 30,000 pipes of wine are now made, of 
which, on an average, 16,000 are exported; the rest is consumed in 
the island. The London Particular is £40, per pipe ; but very good 
may be purchased at £35. per pipe, which is the usual price paid 
for the India market. I tasted at Mr. Murdoch s a very strong wine, 
